university of cebu – jones

As the client’s last Downtown lot, the University of Cebu Jones Campus holds both sentimental and functional significance in the institution’s long-term expansion. Situated prominently at a through lot between Osmeña Boulevard and Pelaez Street, the double frontage project was envisioned as a landmark development to mark the university’s legacy, and with it, the goal to accommodate its growing population.

The design process began with the challenge of fitting a large academic program within an otherwise compact footprint. With the density of its users requiring for efficiency, the resulting concept was materialized into a 14-story vertical campus housing over 150 classrooms and catering to approximately 7,500 students. A central scissor stair is then constructed within a full height atrium to enhance movement across all floors, responding to the limitations of the urban site while ensuring natural light and ventilation across all floors.

Beyond meeting capacity requirements, the design also placed strong emphasis on communal and interactive spaces. Various shared facilities such as the library and canteen were strategically positioned between classroom floors, and student lounges were distributed across the remaining floors to ensure accessible breakout areas. At its core, the building aim to inspire a shift in how educational spaces are designed, and serves as a benchmark for what learning institutions should aspire to be, integrated and student-centered.